Frequenly Asked Questions

1. How long do students stay at ACE?

Depending on the student’s level of English, this could range from three to twelve months.

2. How many levels are offered?

Four levels, ranging from elementary to upper intermediate.

3. Can students repeat a level?

Yes, but only once per level. One of the conditions for students to retain their visa is to achieve satisfactory academic results. If this is not accomplished, the school is obligated to report the student for breaching this condition to DIAC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship). After that, the matter is between DIAC and the student.

Students are required to achieve at least 50% average at each level before they can be promoted to the next level. When this does not happen, the students are sent a “warning letter” reminding them about this visa condition and they are closely monitored to help them achieve better results.

4. Can students enrol in mainstream subjects?

Yes.
For the first two levels, 1.1 and 1.2, students must participate in Sport for two periods per week.

Students also join a Pastoral Care Group (PCG) for a 20 minute session every morning. On one morning each week, the PCG period runs for 40 minutes, enabling PCG teachers to better meet the needs of their group as well as provide opportunities for the students to be actively involved in service activities.

As students reach the last two levels, 2.3 and 2.4, they can extend their participation in mainstream to another subject of their choice (Maths, Science, etc).

5. What is a Pastoral Care Group?

Sydney Adventist College organises students from Years 9 - 12 into fixed mixed groups for roll call. Each morning, the roll is marked, important announcements are communicated to students and the teacher has a short devotional with the students.  Core values are focused upon during these sessions and social, spiritual and relational skills are encouraged.

Students enrolled in years 7 & 8 attend these sessions with their peers in the mainstream.

6. Who can apply to do the course?

- Students who wish to enter the Australian High School system
or
- Students who are visiting Australia and would like to study English in an Australian environment for a short time. Some students attend as part of an organised tour,   while others apply individually.

7. Can students visiting the country enrol to do more mainstream subjects?

Yes. Visitors have a flexible timetable, which considers their requests for the tour. They can choose from: only English lessons, only mainstream, or a combination of both.\

8. Are students required to wear uniform?

If students attend as part of a group they may can wear their own uniform. SAC uniform is compulsory for all other students. The College has some second-hand uniforms to hire or purchase if cost is a concern.

9. What happens after students finish each level?

A complete academic report is issued at the completion of each level. This includes teachers' comments and marks for each subject. Guardians are requested to attend a parent-teacher night to collect reports and discuss their student's progress.

10. What happens when students finish the last level?

At the completion of the course, students receive

• a complete academic report, a Certificate of Completion, and a Certificate of Attendance.
• Students who wish to enter mainstream classes on a full-time basis are interviewed and tested by Sydney Adventist College’s Director of Studies

The Director of Studies will take into consideration, the student's report and the mainstream teachers' comments before making a final decision on entry to the College.

11. Can students borrow mainstream textbooks to take home?

Yes, a textbook hire fee is paid when enrolment is completed. Students may borrow relevant texts for the whole year.

12. Can students on a student’s visa move to another school before completing the course?

According to Standard 7 of the New National Code students who enrol in packaged courses: For e.g. English plus high school must stay with the same provider for at least 6 months of their principal course, this means that students who finish their High School Preparation Course at the ACE must continue at Sydney Adventist College for at least 6 months. If students need to transfer to another school before this, a “Letter of Release” must be obtained from the school. Please ask at the school office if in doubt. 

13. Do students need to attend every day?

DIAC requires an 80% attendance. If a student fails to do so, a warning letter is sent to the student by Sydney Adventist College. If a student does not continue to maintain the required level of attendance he/she is reported to DIAC.

14. What can happen if a student is reported?

His/her visa may be cancelled. He/she might be asked to leave Australia.